Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
Australia is continuing the growth of our strong ties with the Pacific, today opening two new diplomatic missions in the Republic of the Marshall Islands and French Polynesia.
Today’s openings bring Australia’s diplomatic network in the Pacific to nineteen missions, making it the largest diplomatic network in the region of any country.
Australia now has official representation to every member of the Pacific Islands Forum, fulfilling a key commitment of the Australian Government’s Pacific Step-up.
The Australian Embassy to the Republic of the Marshall Islands and the Consulate-General in French Polynesia are now working to support Australia’s interests and increased engagement in our neighbourhood.
Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
Today I announce the appointment of Ms Emily Luck as Australia’s next High Commissioner to Samoa. Ms Luck will also be accredited to American Samoa.
This year marks the significant milestone of 50 years of formal diplomatic relations between Australia and Samoa. Australia and Samoa share a strong and enduring partnership underpinned by people-to-people links and spanning security, economic, social, sport and cultural spheres.
Our development partnership is helping with Samoa’s response to COVID-19, strengthening health systems, protecting vulnerable communities and supporting economic recovery. This partnership is estimated at $37.2 million (2020-2021).
Our security cooperation, including our defence and policing ties, is contributing to our regional security. We also work closely in disaster and climate resilience.
Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
Today I announce the appointment of Ms Claire Scott as Australia’s first resident Consul-General in Papeete.
Australia’s strong friendship with French Polynesia is a reflection of French Polynesia’s important place in our Pacific family and our people to people links.
French Polynesia makes a valuable contribution to the region, including in environmental protection, promoting gender equality, support for the Pacific Humanitarian Pathway and the region’s health response to COVID-19.
Through the new Consulate-General, we look forward to deepening our economic partnership and further strengthening the bonds of friendship between the people and governments of Australia and French Polynesia into the future.
Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
Today I announce the appointment of Mr Brek Batley as Australia’s first resident Ambassador to the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI). Australia’s new diplomatic mission in Majuro reflects our ongoing commitment to a resilient and prosperous Pacific.
Australia has an enduring bilateral relationship with RMI. Australia was the second country to recognise RMI’s sovereignty in 1987. We have a shared commitment to an open and prosperous North Pacific based on our common values.
Australia works closely with RMI on maritime security, water and oceans management, women’s empowerment and climate change adaptation. Australia will provide a Guardian class patrol boat to RMI under our Pacific Maritime Security Program in 2022. We are also working with regional partners to support RMI’s response to COVID-19 and liaising closely with RMI during its three-year term on the United Nations Human Rights Council.
Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
Today I announce the appointment of Ms Adelle Neary as Australia’s next Consul-General in Chengdu.
The Consulate-General in Chengdu is one of five Australian diplomatic missions in mainland China, supporting our wide-ranging bilateral interests in China’s fast-growing southwest provinces of Sichuan, Yunnan and Guizhou, and the municipality of Chongqing. The region is home to over 200 million people and has a combined GDP of $2.3 trillion (2020). The Consulate-General works closely with Australian and local partners to promote business and cultural links, as well as providing consular and other services for Australians.
Australia’s trade and investment relationship with China has contributed to economic success in both our countries. China remains our largest trading partner with total annual two-way trade valued at $251 billion (2019-20). We also share longstanding and deep connections between our people.